Use of allocated wireless channels in a wireless network

ABSTRACT

A wireless station is allocated use of a time slot in a given direction, uplink or downlink, on a given channel. The wireless station monitors for presence of wireless energy during a portion of the time slot. Based on a detected level of the wireless energy in the time slot, the wireless station controls transmission of wireless communications in a direction opposite to the configured direction in a remaining part of the time slot.

BACKGROUND

Conventional wireless networks typically include one or more wirelessbase stations to provide mobile communication devices access to a remotenetwork such as the Internet.

One type of wireless base station is a so-called CBSD (Citizen BroadbandRadio Service Device). Such a device uses a wireless channel allocatedfrom a CBRS (Citizens Band Radio Service) band to support communicationswith one or more mobile communication devices.

Typically, so-called SAS (Spectrum Access Service) in a CBRS networkallocates one or more wireless channels to a CBSD (such as a wirelessbase station) to support communications with respective user equipmentsuch as one or more mobile communication devices. Each base station canbe configured to communicate with the SAS to receive notification of theone or more wireless channels allocated for its use. Controlledallocation of wireless channels by the spectrum access system helps toprevent interference by wireless stations sharing use of the samespectrum.

There are multiple different types of wireless channels in aconventional CBRS band. For example, portions of spectrum in a CBRS bandinclude so-called Priority Access License (PAL) wireless channels,General Authorized Access (GAA) wireless channels, or a combination ofboth.

In general, PAL wireless channels are licensed wireless channels inwhich a corresponding licensee (such as an entity paying for use of thewireless channel) is provided some protection of use. For example, whenno incumbent user requires use of the channels, in theory, the licensedentity is able to freely use the PAL wireless channels in respective oneor more predetermined geographical regions without interference by otherlower priority entity users (such as lower priority GAA users).

Subsequent to allocation of one or more wireless channels, the wirelessbase stations use the allocated spectrum to provide one or morecommunication devices access to a remote network such as the Internet.

Brief Description of Embodiments

There are deficiencies associated with conventional techniques ofproviding wireless services to mobile communication devices. Forexample, a wireless station may be allocated use of a wireless channeland timeslot exclusive of other wireless stations using the allocatedwireless channel and timeslot. The timeslot may be allocated fordownlink communications. However, the corresponding wireless stationallocated the timeslot and corresponding wireless channel may wish tocommunicate in an uplink direction instead of the downlink direction.Failure to use the wireless channel in the timeslot results in wastedand inefficient use of wireless bandwidth.

Embodiments herein provide improved use of wireless spectrum, promotingmore efficient use of wireless channels for wireless network serviceproviders.

For example, a wireless system (wireless network environment) is sharedamongst a hierarchal tier of users. A first wireless station isallocated a first wireless channel and corresponding time slot forcommunicating in a first direction in accordance with a time-divisionduplex configuration. The first wireless station monitors for presenceof wireless energy during the time slot. Based on a detected level ofthe wireless energy, the first wireless station controls transmission ofwireless communications in a second direction during the timeslot. Inone embodiment, the second direction is opposite the first direction.

In accordance with a more specific example embodiment, the firstwireless station receives notice or is preconfigured with settingsinformation indicating a first wireless channel and a time slotallocated for use by the first wireless station to wirelessly receivedata from a second wireless station. Assume, for sake of illustration,that the timeslot supports downlink of data to the first wirelessstation in accordance with a time-division duplex configuration. Thefirst wireless station monitors for presence of wireless energy duringthe time slot instead of receiving wireless communications in a downlinkfrom another wireless station. Based on a detected level of the wirelessenergy, the first wireless station controls transmission of wirelesscommunications from the first wireless station. In one embodiment,controlling transmission of wireless communications from the firstwireless station includes: wirelessly transmitting communications fromthe first wireless station to the second wireless station instead ofreceiving the data in the time slot from the second wireless station.

Thus, a timeslot may be allocated by an allocation management resourceand/or a time-division duplex configuration for use by a first wirelessstation in a first direction. However, the allocated timeslot may be forconveyance of wireless communications in an opposite direction (e.g.,second direction) in which the first wireless station would like to usethe timeslot in the corresponding wireless channel. In such an instance,embodiments herein include, via the first wireless station or othersuitable entity, monitoring for energy in a vicinity of the firstwireless station or other suitable location during the timeslot andusing such information as a basis in which to communicate from the firstwireless station to the second wireless station. More specifically, inone embodiment, the first wireless station monitors for presence of thewireless energy in a second wireless channel that is adjacent to thefirst wireless channel. The second wireless channel may experiencewireless interference if the first wireless station wirelesslycommunicates in the timeslot. To prevent wireless interference, thefirst wireless station monitors the adjacent one or more wirelesschannels (with respect to the first wireless channel) to determinewireless communications in the timeslot from the first wireless stationwould potentially cause interference with another wireless station.

If the first wireless station detects that the amount of energy in thesecond wireless channel for the timeslot (such as at a beginning portionof the timeslot) is below a threshold value, such as indicating that thefirst wireless station will not interfere with communications in thesecond wireless channel because no other wireless stations use thesecond wireless channel in the timeslot or detected wirelessinterference is low during the timeslot (in the adjacent wirelesschannel), the first wireless station uses the timeslot of the firstwireless channel to transmit wireless communications from the firstwireless station (such as user equipment or a mobile communicationdevice) to a second wireless station (such as a wireless base station orother suitable entity).

Conversely, if the first wireless station detects that the amount ofenergy in the second wireless channel for the timeslot (such as at abeginning portion of the timeslot) is above a threshold value, such asindicating that the first wireless station would interfere withcommunications in the second wireless channel because one or more otherwireless stations use the second wireless channel in the timeslot orchannel interference is high during the timeslot, the first wirelessstation prevents transmitting wireless communications in the timeslot ofthe first wireless channel.

In further example embodiments, the first wireless channel allocated tothe first wireless station is one of multiple wireless channelsallocated from first bandwidth to operate a first communication system;the second wireless channel is one of multiple wireless adjacentchannels allocated from second bandwidth to operate a secondcommunication system. In other words, the first wireless channel isassigned for use by the first wireless station. A second wirelessstation may be assigned one or more adjacent wireless channels withrespect to the first wireless channel.

As previously discussed, the first wireless station can be configured tomonitor any portion of the respective allocated timeslot. In oneembodiment, the first wireless station monitors the first wirelesschannel during a beginning portion of the time slot for presence of thewireless energy.

In still further example embodiments, a communication managementresource associated with the first wireless station controlstransmission of the wireless communications from the first wirelessstation based on a comparison of the detected level of the wirelessenergy (in the allocated first wireless channel) to a threshold level.In one embodiment, the wireless energy in the first wireless channeloriginates from wireless interference of a second wireless stationcommunicating in a second wireless channel adjacent to the firstwireless channel. If a magnitude of the wireless energy is below thethreshold level, the first wireless station transmits wirelesscommunications in the timeslot. Alternatively, if a magnitude of thewireless energy is above the threshold level, the wireless stationprevents transmission of wireless communications in the timeslot.

In further example embodiments, the first wireless station preventswireless transmission of a first communication from the first wirelessstation in the time slot in response to detecting use of a secondwireless channel by a second wireless station during the time slot, thesecond wireless channel adjacent to the first wireless channel.

Still further example embodiments herein include, via a communicationmanagement resource associated with the first wireless station,monitoring for the presence of wireless energy in response to detectingthat the first wireless station has been allocated a time slot towirelessly receive data from a second wireless station. Thecommunication management resource of the first wireless stationtransmits the wireless communications from the first wireless station tothe second wireless station in response to detecting that the wirelessenergy in the adjacent wireless channel is below a threshold level.

Further embodiments herein, at the first wireless station, receivingcontrol information from a wireless base station; the second wirelessbase station dynamically notifies the first wireless station to monitorfor presence of the wireless energy during the allocated time slot.

In still further example embodiments, the time slot of the firstwireless channel is allocated for use by multiple wireless stationsincluding the first wireless station to communicate in the seconddirection (such as an uplink or downlink direction) to a second wirelessstation even though a corresponding time-division duplex configurationindicates that the timeslot is allocated for communications in the firstdirection. The one or more wireless stations compete for use of thefirst wireless channel. In any suitable manner, each of the one or morewireless stations monitor the one or more adjacent wireless channelswith respect to the first wireless channel to determine whether or notthey can use the allocated timeslot of the first wireless channel.

In still further example embodiments, the first wireless stationreceives notification from a wireless base station or other suitableentity to monitor a second wireless channel for the presence of thewireless energy. The second wireless channel is allocated for use by asecond wireless station in the network environment during the time slot.If the first wireless station detects that the second wireless stationuses the second wireless channel in the timeslot, the first wirelessstation prevents transmission of communications from the first wirelessstation over the first wireless channel.

In yet further example embodiments, a second wireless station (such as awireless base station) also monitors for presence of the wireless energyin the allocated time slot of the first wireless channel. The firstwireless station, after the monitoring for presence of the wirelessenergy, receives feedback from the second wireless station indicatingthat the second wireless station detected the presence of wirelessenergy above a threshold level. Based on the feedback, the firstwireless station then prevents the transmission of the wirelesscommunications from the first wireless station in response to receivingthe feedback.

In further example embodiments, a second wireless station (such as awireless base station) also monitors for presence of the wireless energyin the allocated time slot of the first wireless channel. The firstwireless station, after monitoring for presence of the wireless energy,also receives feedback from the second wireless station indicating thatthe second wireless station detected the presence of wireless energy inthe second wireless channel as being below a threshold level. In such aninstance, because there is no chance or at least low chance of wirelessinterference by the first wireless station communicating in theallocated timeslot and wireless channel, the first wireless stationinitiates the transmission of the wireless communications from the firstwireless station in response to: i) receiving the feedback, and ii)detecting that a magnitude of the wireless energy as detected by thefirst wireless station is less than a threshold value.

Thus, embodiments herein provide novel ways of providing more efficientuse of wireless bandwidth.

Note that any of the resources as discussed herein can include one ormore computerized devices, mobile communication devices, servers, basestations, wireless communication equipment, communication managementsystems, controllers, workstations, user equipment, handheld or laptopcomputers, or the like to carry out and/or support any or all of themethod operations disclosed herein. In other words, one or morecomputerized devices or processors can be programmed and/or configuredto operate as explained herein to carry out the different embodiments asdescribed herein.

Yet other embodiments herein include software programs to perform thesteps and operations summarized above and disclosed in detail below. Onesuch embodiment comprises a computer program product including anon-transitory computer-readable storage medium (i.e., any computerreadable hardware storage medium) on which software instructions areencoded for subsequent execution. The instructions, when executed in acomputerized device (hardware) having a processor, program and/or causethe processor (hardware) to perform the operations disclosed herein.Such arrangements are typically provided as software, code,instructions, and/or other data (e.g., data structures) arranged orencoded on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium such as anoptical medium (e.g., CD-ROM), floppy disk, hard disk, memory stick,memory device, etc., or other a medium such as firmware in one or moreROM, RAM, PROM, etc., or as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit(ASIC), etc. The software or firmware or other such configurations canbe installed onto a computerized device to cause the computerized deviceto perform the techniques explained herein.

Accordingly, embodiments herein are directed to a method, system,computer program product, executable instructions, etc., that supportsoperations as discussed herein.

Another embodiment includes a computer readable storage medium and/orsystem having instructions stored thereon to facilitate wirelesscommunications in a network environment. The instructions, when executedby computer processor hardware, cause the computer processor hardware(such as one or more co-located or disparately processor devices)associated with a first wireless station to: monitor for presence ofwireless energy during a time slot allocated to the first wirelessstation for communicating in a first direction over a first wirelesschannel in accordance with a time-division duplex configuration; andbased on a detected level of the wireless energy, control transmissionof wireless communications in a second direction during the timeslot,the second direction being opposite the first direction.

Another embodiment includes a computer readable storage medium and/orsystem having instructions stored thereon to facilitate wirelesscommunications in a network environment. The instructions, when executedby computer processor hardware, cause the computer processor hardware(such as one or more co-located or disparately processor devices) to:receive notice of a first wireless channel and a time slot allocated foruse by a first wireless station in a network environment, the timeslotsupporting downlink of data to the first wireless station in accordancewith a time-division duplex configuration; monitor for presence ofwireless energy during the time slot; and control transmission ofwireless communications from the first wireless station based on adetected level of the wireless energy.

The ordering of the steps above has been added for clarity sake. Notethat any of the processing steps as discussed herein can be performed inany suitable order.

Other embodiments of the present disclosure include software programsand/or respective hardware to perform any of the method embodiment stepsand operations summarized above and disclosed in detail below.

It is to be understood that the system, method, apparatus, instructionson computer readable storage media, etc., as discussed herein also canbe embodied strictly as a software program, firmware, as a hybrid ofsoftware, hardware and/or firmware, or as hardware alone such as withina processor (hardware or software), or within an operating system or awithin a software application.

As discussed herein, techniques herein are well suited for use in thefield of providing improved wireless services to communication devices.However, it should be noted that embodiments herein are not limited touse in such applications and that the techniques discussed herein arewell suited for other applications as well.

Additionally, note that although each of the different features,techniques, configurations, etc., herein may be discussed in differentplaces of this disclosure, it is intended, where suitable, that each ofthe concepts can optionally be executed independently of each other orin combination with each other. Accordingly, the one or more presentinventions as described herein can be embodied and viewed in manydifferent ways.

Also, note that this preliminary discussion of embodiments herein (BRIEFDESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS) purposefully does not specify everyembodiment and/or incrementally novel aspect of the present disclosureor claimed invention(s). Instead, this brief description only presentsgeneral embodiments and corresponding points of novelty overconventional techniques. For additional details and/or possibleperspectives (permutations) of the invention(s), the reader is directedto the Detailed Description section (which is a summary of embodiments)and corresponding figures of the present disclosure as further discussedbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an example diagram illustrating a wireless network environmentimplementing hierarchical wireless spectrum allocation and novel use ofcertain wireless channels according to embodiments herein.

FIG. 2 is an example diagram illustrating allocation of availablewireless channels during non-detection of an incumbent entity accordingto embodiments herein.

FIG. 3 is an example diagram illustrating multiple differenttime-division duplex frame configurations according to embodimentsherein.

FIG. 4 is an example diagram illustrating monitoring of adjacentwireless channels and dynamic use of an assigned wireless channelaccording to embodiments herein.

FIG. 5 is an example diagram illustrating monitoring of adjacentwireless channels and dynamic use of an assigned wireless channelaccording to embodiments herein.

FIG. 6 is an example frequency diagram illustrating monitoring ofadjacent wireless channels and dynamic use of a wireless channelaccording to embodiments herein.

FIG. 7 is an example diagram illustrating a wireless station monitoringone or more adjacent wireless channels in a first wireless band as wellas monitoring one or more wireless channels in a second wireless bandaccording to embodiments herein.

FIG. 8 is an example diagram illustrating multiple wireless stationssharing use of an assigned wireless channel and monitoring of one ormore adjacent wireless channels according to embodiments herein.

FIG. 9 is an example diagram illustrating monitoring of a respectiveassigned wireless channel to determine wireless interference andcorresponding use of adjacent wireless channels according to embodimentsherein.

FIG. 10 is an example diagram illustrating monitoring of a respectiveassigned wireless channel to determine interference and correspondinguse of adjacent wireless channels according to embodiments herein.

FIG. 11 is an example diagram illustrating monitoring of a respectiveassigned wireless channel by one or more wireless stations to determineinterference and corresponding use of adjacent wireless channelsaccording to embodiments herein.

FIG. 12 is an example frequency diagram illustrating monitoring ofadjacent wireless channels and dynamic use of a wireless channelaccording to embodiments herein.

FIG. 13 is an example diagram illustrating multiple wireless stationssharing use of an assigned wireless channel and monitoring of one ormore adjacent wireless channels according to embodiments herein.

FIG. 14 is an example diagram illustrating generation of dynamic channelallocation information indicating allocation of spectrum at differenttiers of a channel hierarchy such as associated with a shared CBRS(Citizen Band Radio Service) band according to embodiments herein.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating example computer architecture toexecute one or more operations according to embodiments herein.

FIG. 16 is an example diagram illustrating a method according toembodiments herein.

FIG. 17 is an example diagram illustrating a method according toembodiments herein.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of theinvention will be apparent from the following more particulardescription of preferred embodiments herein, as illustrated in theaccompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to thesame parts throughout the different views. The drawings are notnecessarily to scale, with emphasis instead being placed uponillustrating the embodiments, principles, concepts, etc.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A wireless station is allocated use of a time slot in a given direction,such as uplink or downlink, on a given channel. The wireless stationmonitors for presence of wireless energy during a portion of the timeslot. Based on a detected level of the wireless energy in the time slot,the wireless station controls transmission of wireless communications ina direction opposite to the configured (given) direction in a remainingpart of the time slot.

Thus, in accordance with a more specific example embodiment, a firstwireless station is allocated a first wireless channel and a time slotfor communicating in a first direction in accordance with atime-division duplex configuration. The first wireless station monitorsfor presence of wireless energy during the time slot. Based on adetected level of the wireless energy, the first wireless stationcontrols transmission of wireless communications in a second directionduring the timeslot.

Now, more specifically, FIG. 1 is an example diagram illustrating ahierarchical wireless network implementing allocation and use ofwireless bandwidth according to embodiments herein.

As shown in this example embodiment, network environment 100 includesbandwidth manager 130, bandwidth monitor 140, allocation managementresource 141 (communication management resource such as spectrum accesssystem SAS1), network 190 (such as including one or more of theInternet, wireless infrastructure, cellular system, wireless accessnetwork, etc.), and wireless stations such as wireless base station 131,wireless base station 132, wireless base station 133, . . . , wirelessstation CD11 (a.k.a., end user device, user equipment mobilecommunication device, communication device, etc.), wireless stationCD12, wireless station CD21, wireless station CD22, wireless stationCD31, wireless station CD32, etc.

In one embodiment, the network 190 includes one or more domain proxies161 that facilitate communications between the allocation managementresources and the wireless base stations. For example, depending on theembodiment, allocation management resource 141 and wireless stations131, 132, etc., can communicate directly with each other over network190 or through domain proxy 161.

Note that each of the resources (such as wireless stations,communication devices, allocation management resources, spectrummonitor, spectrum manager, etc.) in network environment 100 can beconfigured to include appropriate hardware, software, or combination ofhardware and software to carry out respective operations as discussedherein.

More specifically, bandwidth manager 130 can be configured as bandwidthmanager hardware, bandwidth manager software, or a combination ofbandwidth manager hardware and bandwidth manager software; bandwidthmonitor 140 can be configured as bandwidth monitor hardware, bandwidthmonitor software, or a combination of bandwidth monitor hardware andbandwidth monitor software; allocation management resource 141 can beconfigured as allocation management hardware, allocation managementsoftware, or a combination of allocation management hardware andallocation management software; wireless station 131 can be configuredas wireless station hardware, wireless station software, or acombination of wireless station hardware and wireless station software;wireless station 132 can be configured as wireless station hardware,wireless station software, or a combination of wireless station hardwareand wireless station software; wireless station 133 can be configured aswireless station hardware, wireless station software, or a combinationof wireless station hardware and wireless station software; wirelessstation CD11 can be configured as wireless station hardware, wirelessstation software, or a combination of wireless station hardware andwireless station software; wireless station CD12 can be configured aswireless station hardware, wireless station software, or a combinationof wireless station hardware and wireless station software; wirelessstation CD21 can be configured as wireless station hardware, wirelessstation software, or a combination of wireless station hardware andwireless station software; wireless station CD22 can be configured aswireless station hardware, wireless station software, or a combinationof wireless station hardware and wireless station software; wirelessstation CD31 can be configured as wireless station hardware, wirelessstation software, or a combination of wireless station hardware andwireless station software; wireless station CD32 can be configured aswireless station hardware, wireless station software, or a combinationof wireless station hardware and wireless station software; and so on.

Note that the resources as discussed herein can be implemented in anysuitable manner and at any suitable location.

Each communication device (such as CD11, CD12, CD21, CD22, CD31, CD32,etc.) is mobile or stationary with respect to a corresponding wirelessbase station (such as wireless station 131, wireless station 132,wireless station 133, etc.) providing it access to network 190. In oneembodiment, as previously mentioned, network 190 includes the Internetor other networks.

As further shown, wireless station 131 (such as a wireless base stationoperated by a first wireless network service provider 111/operator) isdisposed at location L11 providing communication devices CD11, CD12,etc., access to network 190.

Wireless station 132 (such as a wireless base station operated by asecond wireless network service provider 112/operator) is disposed atlocation L12 providing communication devices CD21, CD22, etc., access tonetwork 190.

Wireless station 133 (such as a wireless base station operated by athird wireless network service provider 113/operator) is disposed atlocation L13 providing communication devices CD31, CD32, etc., access tonetwork 190; and so on. Network environment 100 includes any suitablenumber of wireless stations.

In further example embodiments, the network environment 100 implements aspectrum access system to allocate use of one or more CBRS (CitizensBand Radio Service) wireless channels for use buffer the wirelessstations (i.e., wireless station 131, wireless station CD11, wirelessstation CD12, wireless station 132, wireless station CD21, wirelessstation CD22, wireless station 133, wireless station CD31, wirelessstation CD32, etc.). In such an embodiment, note that an incumbent user(first-priority tier 1 user) has highest priority rights to use allwireless channels.

For example, in one embodiment, as previously discussed, the networkenvironment 100 includes allocation management resource 141. Theallocation management resource 141 allocates one or more wirelesschannels from a tiered hierarchy in which the incumbent user has highestpriority rights.

Additionally, or alternatively, note that the network environment 100can be implemented to support shared use of any wireless bandwidth suchas bandwidth other than from a CBRS band.

Note further that the implementation of allocation management resourceis optional. The wireless stations and corresponding service providerscan establish agreements as to use of wireless channels in networkenvironment 100.

Further in this example embodiment, as its name suggests, the bandwidthmonitor 140 (such as an ESC or Environmental Sensing Capability) innetwork environment monitors use of the wireless channels 1-15 (or otherchannels) by a respective one or more incumbent entity.

If the bandwidth monitor 140 detects use of any of the one or morewireless channels by a higher priority user, the bandwidth monitor 140notifies the allocation management resource 141 of this condition. Inresponse to detecting the condition of the incumbent user using arespective one or more wireless channel, the allocation managementresource 141, in turn, notifies (such as immediately or within a shorttimeframe such as a few minutes) appropriate wireless stations (andcorresponding wireless network service providers) to discontinue use ofany previously allocated wireless channels used by the incumbent entity.

In one embodiment, each of the one or more allocation managementresources in the network environment 100 individually or collectivelykeeps track of a respective location of each of the wireless stationsand allocates wireless channels such that two or more wireless stationsimplementing wireless communications do not interfere with each other.For example, in one embodiment, in furtherance of providing protecteduse of allocated bandwidth, the allocation management resources allocatedifferent wireless channels to wireless stations that are in the samelocation or geographical region. The allocation management resource 141or other suitable entity can be configured to prevent or reduce wirelessinterference by allocating use of wireless channels in the differentlocations such that use of wireless channels by one set of wirelessstations does not interference with other wireless stations.

During further operation, note that the bandwidth manager 130 initiallyproduces spectrum allocation information 151 or other suitableinformation indicating assignment of bandwidth (one or more PAL wirelesschannels) such as determined from results of a bandwidth auction inwhich operators pay license fees for use of one or more of wirelesschannels 1-10. Certain or any of the wireless channels may be allocatedto GAA users if not used by PAL users or an incumbent entity. An exampleof such allocation and use of wireless channels is shown in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 2 is an example diagram illustrating assignment, allocation, anduse of available wireless channels during non-detection of an incumbententity according to embodiments herein.

As previously discussed, the wireless stations in network environment100 can be operated by any number of multiple different serviceproviders.

For example, in one embodiment, as indicated by the spectrum allocationinformation 151 managed by the allocation management resource 141 orother suitable entity, the first wireless station 131 (at or aroundlocation L11) and potentially one or more other wireless stations in thevicinity of location L11 are operated by a first wireless networkservice provider 111; the first wireless network service provider 111may be a PAL user having a license to use wireless channel #1 (a.k.a.,WCH #1) or may be a GAA user granted use of the wireless channel #1 tosupport connectivity with the corresponding communication devices CD11,CD12, . . . .

As further indicated by the spectrum allocation information 151 managedby the allocation management resource 141 or other suitable entity, thesecond wireless station 132 (at or around location L12) and potentiallyone or more other wireless stations are operated by a second wirelessnetwork service provider 112; the second wireless network serviceprovider 112 may be a PAL user having a license to use wireless channel#2 (a.k.a., WCH #2) or may be a GAA user granted use of the wirelesschannel #2 to support connectivity with the corresponding communicationdevices CD21, CD22, . . . .

As further indicated by the spectrum allocation information 151 managedby the allocation management resource 141 or other suitable entity, thewireless station 133 (at or around location L13) and potentially one ormore other wireless stations are operated by a third wireless networkservice provider 113; the third wireless network service provider 113may be a PAL user having a license to use wireless channel #3 (a.k.a.,WCH #3) or may be a GAA user granted use of the wireless channel #3 tosupport connectivity with the corresponding communication devices CD31,CD32, . . . .

In one embodiment, the spectrum allocation information 151 indicateswhether the corresponding service provider and corresponding equipmentsupport dynamic TDD configurations as discussed herein. In this exampleembodiment, the service provider 111 and corresponding equipment (suchas wireless station 131, wireless station CD11, wireless station CD12,etc.) support channel sensing and flexible use of uplink/downlinktimeslots. The service provider 112 and corresponding equipment (such aswireless station 132, wireless station CD21, wireless station CD22,etc.) support channel sensing and flexible use of uplink/downlinktimeslots.

Referring again to FIG. 1 , in processing operation #1, the bandwidthmanager 130 distributes the spectrum allocation information 151 to thespectrum allocation management resource 141 (such as SAS1).

In processing operation #2, the allocation management resource 141stores and updates the spectrum allocation information 151.

Further in this example embodiment, in processing operation #3, thewireless stations 131, 132, and 133 register with the allocationmanagement resource 141 for use of wireless channels. Via communications123 over network 190 to wireless stations 131, 132, 133, etc., theallocation management resource 141 allocates use of the wirelessbandwidth (wireless channels) in accordance with the spectrum allocationinformation 151.

For example, the wireless base station 131 initially registers thewireless station 131 and corresponding one or more communication devicesCD11, CD12, etc., with the allocation management resource 141 for use ofwireless channels. As previously discussed, in accordance with thespectrum allocation information 151, because no incumbent entity ispresent in the network environment 100, the allocation managementresource 141 allocates use of wireless channel #1 to the wireless basestation 131 and corresponding communication devices at or aroundlocation L11.

As previously discussed, note again that the network 190 can beconfigured to include one or more domain proxy 161 through which thewireless base station 131 communicates with the allocation managementresource 141. In a reverse direction, the allocation management resource141 communicates through the domain proxy 161 to the wireless basestation 131. Alternatively, note that the wireless base station 131 andthe allocation management resource 141 transmit communications directlyto each other without use of the domain proxy 161 as an intermediaryresource.

Additionally, the wireless base station 132 operated by the secondwireless network service provider 112 registers with the allocationmanagement resource 141 for use of wireless channels. Because noincumbent entity is present, the allocation management resource 141allocates use of wireless channel #2 to the wireless base station 132and corresponding service provider 112. In one embodiment, the wirelessstation 132 or other suitable entity notifies the allocation managementresource 141 that it (and corresponding mobile communication device(CD21, CD22, etc.) supports channel sensing and monitoring (such aslisten before talk, clear channel assessment, etc.) on any of one ormore wireless channels.

Thus, in one embodiment, the wireless station 132 registers with aspectrum access system (SAS) indicating its channel sensing and TDDconfiguration capability. Additionally, or alternatively, the bandwidthmanager 130 produces the spectrum allocation information 151 to indicatethat the wireless station 132 and corresponding communication devicessupport channel sensing and flexible use of a TDD configuration asdiscussed herein.

Further in this example embodiment, note that an incumbent user/entity(such as a naval vessel or other suitable entity implementing RADAR useof one or more wireless channels) is a first-priority tier 1 user in thepriority hierarchy, the PAL users are second-priority tier 2 users inthe priority hierarchy, and the GAA users are third-priority tier 3users in the priority hierarchy. In the hierarchy, the incumbent usershave highest priority access rights; the PAL users have second highestpriority access rights; the GAA users have the lowest priority accessrights.

As further shown, each of the wireless stations can be configured toinclude appropriate circuitry to generate: i) an energy detect value,ED, indicative of a magnitude of detected wireless energy, ii) athreshold level value, TL, and iii) a comparator 156 to performcomparisons.

FIG. 3 is an example diagram illustrating multiple different frameconfigurations according to embodiments herein.

In one embodiment, the allocation management resource 141 or othersuitable entity notifies the respective wireless stations in wirelessnetwork environment 100 which of multiple possible time-division duplexconfiguration frames (such as configuration frame 321 or configurationframe 322) of frame length 320 to implement with respect to use ofallocated wireless channels. Implementation of the selectedconfiguration frame amongst multiple wireless stations prevents wirelessinterference.

As shown, the configuration frame 321 includes multiple timeslotsallocated to support downlink (communications from a wireless basestation to the corresponding downstream communication devices) or uplinkcommunications (communications from the communication devices to thewireless base station).

For example, for configuration frame 321: time slot 31-1 is allocated tosupport downlink communications; time slot 31-2 is allocated to supportdownlink communications; time slot 31-3 is allocated to support downlinkcommunications; time slot 31-4 is a special time slot allocated tosupport uplink or downlink communications; time slot 31-5 is allocatedto support uplink communications; time slot 31-6 is allocated to supportuplink communications; time slot 31-7 is allocated to support uplinkcommunications; time slot 31-8 is allocated to support uplinkcommunications; time slot 31-9 is allocated to support downlinkcommunications; time slot 31-10 is allocated to support downlinkcommunications; time slot 31-11 is allocated to support downlinkcommunications; time slot 31-12 is allocated to support downlinkcommunications; time slot 31-13 is allocated to support downlinkcommunications; time slot 31-14 is a special time slot allocated tosupport uplink or downlink communications; time slot 31-15 is allocatedto support uplink communications; time slot 31-16 is allocated tosupport uplink communications; time slot 31-17 is allocated to supportuplink communications; time slot 31-18 is allocated to support uplinkcommunications; time slot 31-19 is allocated to support downlinkcommunications; time slot 31-20 is allocated to support downlinkcommunications.

For configuration frame 322: time slot 31-1 is allocated to supportdownlink communications; time slot 31-2 is allocated to support downlinkcommunications; time slot 31-3 is allocated to support downlinkcommunications; time slot 31-4 is a special time slot allocated tosupport uplink or downlink communications; time slot 31-5 is allocatedto support uplink communications; time slot 31-6 is allocated to supportuplink communications; time slot 31-7 is allocated to support downlinkcommunications; time slot 31-8 is allocated to support downlinkcommunications; time slot 31-9 is allocated to support downlinkcommunications; time slot 31-10 is allocated to support downlinkcommunications; time slot 31-11 is allocated to support downlinkcommunications; time slot 31-12 is allocated to support downlinkcommunications; time slot 31-13 is allocated to support downlinkcommunications; time slot 31-14 is a special time slot allocated tosupport uplink or downlink communications; time slot 31-15 is allocatedto support uplink communications; time slot 31-16 is allocated tosupport uplink communications; time slot 31-17 is allocated to supportdownlink communications; time slot 31-18 is allocated to supportdownlink communications; time slot 31-19 is allocated to supportdownlink communications; time slot 31-20 is allocated to supportdownlink communications.

In a conventional communication environment, each of the wirelessstations implements a same selected time-division duplex configuration.This prevents one wireless station from causing wireless interference toanother wireless station because it is known in what direction thewireless stations will be transmitting.

In contrast to conventional techniques, according to embodiments herein,the service providers can use a respective time-division duplexconfiguration in a different manner as long as the service providers andcorresponding equipment implements safeguards to prevent wirelessinterference amongst other wireless stations if the service providersimplement communications in an opposite direction than as specified byan implemented time-division duplex configuration for the that wirelessstation.

In Frequency Division Duplexing (FDD) a paired frequency band is usedfor communicating in both downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) directions bysharing wireless channels in the frequency domain.

In Time Division Duplexing (TDD) a single unpaired frequency band isused to communicate in downlink and uplink directions by sharing in thetime domain, i.e. subframes or slots.

Both LTE (Long Term Evolution) and NR (New Radio) have several TDD UL-DL(Uplink-Downlink) frame configurations allowing flexible use of uplinkand downlink slots. NR also allows the UL-DL frame configuration of anetwork to be changed dynamically.

In certain instances, network operators may wish to flexibly ordynamically use the different TDD UL-DL frame configurations (such asindicated by configuration frame 321, etc.) to support their use cases.This, however, may not possible in the same band or adjacent bandswithin close proximity of each other without causing or suffering fromharmful interference. For example, a base station of one networktransmitting DL (Downlink) in an assigned wireless channel may interferewith a BS (Base station) of a second network receiving wirelesscommunications over an uplink in a second wireless channel (adjacent thefirst wireless channel) from a mobile communication device. In otherwords, simply communicating in your assigned wireless channel (in anopposite manner of a respective uplink or downlink designation) maycause interference to adjacent wireless channels.

To avoid this cross-channel interference, network operators often haveto coordinate the use of their TDD configurations in proximity of eachother. This results in a waste of UL-DL resources for operators whodesire different TDD configurations.

Embodiments herein allow an operator's BSs or UEs to transmit in theirdesired DL/UL direction after sensing for adjacent channel or adjacentband users and finding them to be inactive in a given slot or subframe.As further discussed herein, this results in improved utilization ofUL-DL resources (such as timeslots in wireless channels), while avoidingmutual interference.

According to one configuration, as previously discussed, a wirelessnetwork is shared amongst a hierarchal tier of users. The wirelessnetwork environment includes communication management hardware. Thecommunication management hardware such as associated with the wirelessstation CD21 receives notice of a first wireless channel and a time slotallocated for use by a first wireless station in a network environment.The first wireless station and corresponding communication managementhardware monitor for presence of wireless energy in a second wirelesschannel (such as adjacent channel susceptible to co-channelinterference) during the time slot. Based on a detected level of thewireless energy in the time slot, the first wireless station controlstransmission of wireless communications from the first wireless station.

Thus, embodiments herein include a hybrid TDD access for a user tocoexist with intra-band users in a shared TDD band governed by acoexistence manager (CxM) or spectrum access system (SAS).

In this embodiment, a communication management resource in the networkenvironment 100 (such as CxM/SAS) allows a TDD Configuration(s) in agiven geographical area, e.g. based on market interest. However, anoperator may desire a different TDD Configuration, e.g. based on its usecase, that is not permitted by SAS/CxM in the area (currentimplementation).

In this embodiment, CxM allows the operator's equipment to access itschannels using hybrid TDD access: i) Conventional TDD access inslots/subframes/special subframe symbols with the same direction aspermitted by CxM, i.e. UL with UL, or DL with downlink, ii) Channelsensing based access in slots/subframes/special subframe symbols withthe opposite direction as permitted by CxM, i.e. DL with UL, or UL withDL.

In one embodiment, channel sensing based access is used to avoidinterference to adjacent channel users. This can be achieved by sensingchannels adjacent to the operating channel(s) in slots/subframes/specialsubframe symbols where the equipment wants to use the opposite directionfor transmission: i) If the slot/subframe/special subframe symbol isfound to be occupied in adjacent channels, the device stays idle untilthe next slot/subframe/special subframe symbol. If theslot/subframe/special subframe symbol is found to be idle, the deviceuses the remaining period in the slot/subframe/special subframe symbolfor transmission in the opposite direction; ii) If non-slot basedtransmissions (<14 symbols) are used by adjacent channel users, thenmultiple CCAs may be attempted in a slot/subframe and once successful,non-slot-based transmission is used for the remaining period.

Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) (such as listen before talk) by Energydetection (ED) may be used to detect channel occupancy in adjacentchannels.

FIG. 4 is an example diagram illustrating monitoring of adjacentwireless channels and dynamic use of an assigned wireless channelaccording to embodiments herein.

In further example embodiments, it may be sufficient to implement CCA(Clear Channel Assessment) or listen before talk techniques inimmediately adjacent channels in order to communicate in an oppositedirection than as allocated by a communication management resource. Notethat use of the terms downlink and uplink are used for the sake ofexplaining the different directions of communicating data. For example,the term downlink represents a first direction; the term uplinkrepresents a second direction.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4 , assume that the wireless station 132allocates communication device CD21 use of the wireless channel #2 andcorresponding timeslot 31-7. The timeslot 31-7 is a downlink timeslotaccording to the respective time-division duplex configuration frame,meaning that the wireless station 132 is able to communicate in thedownlink direction to the communication device CD21 without interferingwith other wireless stations. However, the wireless station 132 maydesire to use the timeslot to communicate in an uplink direction fromthe communication device CD21 to the wireless station 132.

As previously discussed with respect to FIG. 1 , communicationswirelessly transmitted from the communication device CD21 in an uplinkto the wireless base station 132 may result in cross interference withrespect to other wireless stations using the same timeslot 31-7 in anassigned downlink direction.

Referring again to FIG. 4 , in order for the wireless station CD21 tocommunicate in the uplink direction instead of the downlink direction,the wireless station CD21 needs to make sure that it will not interferewith other wireless stations in the network environment 100.

For example, to prevent occurrence of interference, the wireless stationCD21 allocated use of the timeslot 31-7 monitors the timeslot 31-7 forcommunications in adjacent wireless channels #1 and #3. Because thetimeslot 31-7 in channel #2 has been assigned for use by the wirelessstation CD21, it is known that no other nearby wireless stations willcommunicate in timeslot 31-7 so there is no need for the wirelessstation CD21 to monitor wireless channel #2 via listen before talk.However, communications in the opposite direction of the allocateddownlink (such as in the uplink from the wireless station CD21 to thewireless station 132) for timeslot 31-7 may result in cross linkinterference to the other wireless stations assigned and using wirelesschannels #1 and 3 in timeslot 31-7.

Thus, the wireless station CD21 receives notice of a wireless channel #2and a time slot 31-7 allocated for use by the wireless station CD21. Infurther example embodiments, the wireless station CD21 also receivesnotification (such as permission) from the wireless station 132 (orother suitable entity) to monitor wireless channel #1 and/or wirelesschannel #3 such as channels adjacent to the wireless channel #2.

At or around time T47, the wireless station CD21 monitors for presenceof wireless energy in wireless channels #1 and #3 during the time slot31-7. Based on a detected level of the wireless energy during such time,the wireless station CD21 controls transmission of wirelesscommunications from the wireless station CD21 to the wireless station132. In one embodiment, the wireless station CD21 wirelessly transmitscommunications 410 in an uplink direction (opposing the default downlinkdesignation assigned to the timeslot 31-7) from the wireless stationCD21 to the wireless station 132 instead of the wireless station CD21receiving data in a downlink direction from the wireless station 132 andthe timeslot 31-7.

Thus, a timeslot 31-7 may be allocated by a communication managementresource associated with the wireless station 132 for use by a wirelessstation CD21. However, the allocated timeslot 31-7 may be for conveyanceof wireless communications in an opposite direction in which thewireless station CD21 would like to use the corresponding wirelesschannel #2. In such an instance, embodiments herein include, via thewireless station CD21 or other suitable entity, monitoring for energy ina vicinity of the wireless station CD21 or other suitable locationduring the timeslot 31-7 and using such information as a basis in whichto claim communications from the wireless station CD21 to the wirelessstation 132. More specifically, in one embodiment, the wireless stationCD21 monitors for presence of the wireless energy in the wirelesschannel #1 and/or wireless channel #3 that are adjacent to the wirelesschannel #2. The wireless channels #1 and #3 may experience wirelessinterference if the wireless station CD21 wirelessly communicates in thetimeslot 31-7 in the uplink direction. To prevent wireless interference,in a manner as previously discussed, the wireless station CD21 monitorsthe adjacent one or more wireless channels (with respect to the wirelesschannel #2) to determine if transmission of wireless communications inthe timeslot 31-7 from the first wireless station would potentiallycause interference with another wireless station.

In this case shown in FIG. 4 , the wireless station CD21 detects thatthe amount of energy in the wireless channel #1 and #3 for the timeslot31-7 (such as at a beginning portion of the timeslot 31-7) is below athreshold value, such as indicating that the wireless station CD21 willnot interfere with communications in the wireless channels #1 and #3because no other wireless stations appear to be using the secondwireless channel in the timeslot 31-7 or co-channel interference is lowduring the timeslot 31-7, the wireless station CD21 uses the timeslot31-7 of the wireless channel #2 to transmit wireless communications 410from the wireless station CD21 (such as user equipment or a mobilecommunication device) to the wireless station 132 (such as a wirelessbase station).

Thus, according to embodiments herein, Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) byEnergy detection (ED) may be used to detect channel occupancy inadjacent channels (via adjacent channel sensing). In further exampleembodiments, note that random backoff times may be implemented to avoidcollision among multiple users employing channel sensing in a givenslot. See FIG. 8 illustrating use of a respective wireless channel bymultiple wireless stations.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 4 , note that, in one embodiment, the ED(Energy Detect) Threshold implemented by wireless station CD21 may bedetermined as: −85+10*log 10(BW)+P+ACP dBm, where BW is the adjacentchannel bandwidth in MHz, P=23−Device's Tx EIRP in dBm, where the valueACP is an Adjacent Channel Protection Ratio in dB that depends on theaggressor and victim RF filters. Note that the ACP value may be around50 dB for immediately adjacent channels, while for UE to UE interferenceACP value may be around 30 dB. ACP may also include the effect offurther adjacent channels.

As further discussed below, if the wireless station CD21 detects thatthe amount of energy in the wireless channels #1 or #3 for the timeslot31-7 (such as at a beginning portion of the timeslot) is above athreshold value, such as indicating that the wireless station CD21 wouldor likely interfere with communications in the wireless channel #1 or #3because one or more other wireless stations use the wireless channel #1or #3 in the timeslot 31-7 or co-channel interference is likely highduring the timeslot 31-7, the wireless station CD21 preventstransmitting wireless communications in the timeslot 31-7 as furtherdiscussed below.

FIG. 5 is an example diagram illustrating monitoring of adjacentwireless channels and dynamic use of an assigned wireless channelaccording to embodiments herein.

Assume in this example embodiment that the wireless station 132allocates wireless station CD21 use of the wireless channel #2 andcorresponding timeslot 31-7 and timeslot 31-8 for its use. In oneembodiment, the wireless station CD21 and/or wireless station 132register with the allocation management resource 141 to use one or morewireless channels.

As previously discussed, the timeslot 31-7 is, according to TDDconfiguration frame 322 a downlink timeslot, meaning that the wirelessstation 132 is able to communicate in the downlink direction to thecommunication device CD21 without interfering with other wirelessstations. However, in this example embodiment, the wireless station CD21desires to use the timeslot to communicate in an uplink direction fromthe communication device CD21 to the wireless station 132.

As previously discussed with respect to FIG. 1 , communicationswirelessly transmitted from the communication device CD21 in an uplinkto the wireless base station 132 may result in cross interference withrespect to other wireless stations using the same timeslot 31-7.

Referring again to FIG. 5 , in this example embodiment, in order for thewireless station CD21 to communicate in the uplink direction instead ofreceiving data in the downlink direction assigned to the timeslot 31-7of configuration frame 322, the wireless station CD21 needs to make surethat it will not interfere with other wireless stations in the networkenvironment 100 as further discussed below.

Note that the wireless station CD21 can be configured to monitor anyportion of a respective allocated timeslot (such as beginning, middle,and, etc.). In one embodiment, the first wireless station monitors thefirst wireless channel during a beginning portion of the time slot forpresence of the wireless energy.

For example, in a similar manner as previously discussed, to preventoccurrence of co-channel interference, the wireless station CD21allocated use of the timeslot 31-7 monitors the timeslot 31-7 forcommunications in adjacent wireless channels #1 and #3. In oneembodiment, the wireless station 132 and/or allocation managementresource 141 grant the wireless station CD21 permission to monitor theseadjacent wireless channels. Because the timeslot 31-7 has been assignedfor use by the wireless station CD21, it is known or at least assumedthat no other nearby wireless stations will communicate in timeslot 31-7so there is no need for the wireless station CD21 to monitor wirelesschannel #2. The wireless station 132 is able to communicate with thewireless station CD21 in the downlink without concern to other wirelessstations. However, communications in the opposite direction of theallocated downlink direction (such as in the uplink direction from thewireless station CD21 to the wireless station 132) for timeslot 31-7 mayresult in cross wireless interference to the other wireless stationsassigned wireless channels #1 and 3 in timeslot 31-7.

In one embodiment, as previously discussed, the wireless station CD21receives notice of a wireless channel #2 and a time slot 31-7 allocatedfor use by the wireless station CD21 via communications from thewireless station 132. The wireless station CD21 also receivesnotification (such as permission) from the wireless station 132 tomonitor wireless channel #1 and/or wireless channel #3 such as channelsadjacent to the wireless channel #2 if the uplink of communications isneeded. Wireless station CD21 is not allowed to communicate over thewireless channels #1 and #3, but may monitor them based on a grant ofpermission by wireless station 132, allocation management resource 141,or other suitable entity.

At or around time T57, prior to transmitting in the uplink from thewireless station CD21 to the wireless station 132, the wireless stationCD21 monitors for presence of wireless energy during the time slot 31-7.Based on a detected level of the wireless energy during such time, thewireless station CD21 controls transmission of wireless communicationsfrom the wireless station CD21 to the wireless station 132.

In this example embodiment, the wireless station CD21 detects presenceof wireless energy in the wireless channel #1 above an energy detectthreshold level. In response to detecting this condition, the wirelessstation CD21 is prevented or blocked from transmitting wirelesscommunications in an uplink direction from the wireless station CD21 tothe wireless station 132. As previously discussed, this prevents crosschannel interference with respect to the downlink communications 510from the wireless station 131 to a respective communication device innetwork environment 100. Thus, the wireless station CD21 does nottransmit in the uplink in timeslot 31-7.

Further in this example embodiment, assume that the wireless stationCD21 is also signed use of timeslot 31-8. In a similar manner aspreviously discussed, the wireless station CD21 monitors presence ofwireless energy in a wireless channel #1 and wireless channel #3 such asbetween there is time T58 and time T58-1. In this instance, the wirelessstation CD21 does not detect presence of wireless communications above arespective energy threshold value in either monitored channel #1 or #3.In such an instance, at or around time T58-1, the wireless station CD21transmits uplink communications 520 from the wireless station CD21 tothe wireless station 132.

Thus, when there is no chance or low probability of causing co-channelinterference with another wireless station, the corresponding wirelesslink can be used in an uplink or downlink direction (opposite anoriginal designation direction) as opposed to be restricted to only asingle direction.

In still further example embodiments, the wireless base station 132 orother suitable entity communicates control information (such as scheduleinformation) to the wireless station CD21 indicating whether to use thetimeslot 31-7 in the uplink direction or the downlink direction. Theallocated use of the timeslot 31-7 depends upon whether it is moredesirable for the wireless station 132 to communicate data to thewireless station CD21 or more desirable that the wireless station CD21communicate data to the wireless station 132. Thus, the wireless station132 or other suitable entity can be configured to dynamically controlwhether to use the allocated timeslot for uplink communications ordownlink communications.

FIG. 6 is an example frequency diagram illustrating monitoring ofadjacent wireless channels and dynamic use of a wireless channelaccording to embodiments herein.

Graph 600 of FIG. 6 illustrates that a device using wireless channel #2may not transmit in the opposite direction in a respective timeslotbecause wireless channel #3 is being used by another wireless station.Wireless channel #1 is not used.

Conversely, a wireless station assigned wireless channel #11 monitorsboth adjacent wireless channels 10 and 12. The timeslot is designated asa downlink timeslot. In response to detecting a condition in whichdetected wireless energy in each of the wireless channels 10 and 12 isbelow a threshold level for a first portion of an assigned timeslot, thewireless station communicates in the uplink direction to a respectivewireless base station. Thus, a wireless device using channel 11 maytransmit in the opposite direction as both Channels 10 and 12 areunoccupied in the given slot.

In one embodiment, the implemented ED threshold level depends on deviceEIRP and ACP. For example, for a BS with 50 dB ACP wanting to transmitwith 63 dBm EIRP over 10 MHz channel, ED threshold=−85+10+23−63+50=−65dB

For an EUD with 30 dB ACP wanting to transmit with 23 dBm EIRP over 20MHz channel, ED threshold=−85+13+23−23+30=−42 dBm

Note further that a wireless station may adapt its transmissionpower/EIRP to find more opportunities for channel access.

FIG. 7 is an example diagram illustrating a wireless station monitoringone or more adjacent wireless channels in a first wireless band as wellas monitoring one or more wireless channels in a second wireless bandaccording to embodiments herein.

Note that, in accordance with further example embodiments in graph 700,the hybrid TDD access techniques as discussed herein can be implementedwithout CxM/SAS. For example, in accordance with alternativeembodiments, a first wireless communication system supports wirelesschannels A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5. A second wireless communication systemsupports wireless channels B1, B2, B3, before, and B5.

In this embodiment, there may not be any CxM/SAS to control TDDConfiguration. Instead, there may be an agreement among operatorsimplementing the different wireless communication systems using thedifferent bandwidths A and B to coordinate their TDD configuration. Forexample, in such an embodiment, service providers (i.e., operators)agree to access their channels using hybrid TDD access as discussedherein:

-   -   This includes conventional TDD access in slots/subframes/special        subframe symbols with the same direction as coordinated by the        operators, i.e. UL with UL, or DL with DL    -   Channel sensing based access in slots/subframes/special subframe        symbols with the opposite direction as coordinated by the        operators, i.e. DL with UL, or UL with DL

In still further example embodiments, channel sensing based access maybe implemented in a manner as previously discussed for frequency blocksadjacent to the device's transmission frequencies.

Note further that a respective wireless station may be required to checkchannel occupancy of adjacent frequency channels/blocks as well asfrequency blocks/channels in adjacent bands. More specifically, in amanner as previously discussed, the wireless station trying tocommunicate in the opposite direction of an original directionassignment via wireless channel #A3 checks presence of wireless energyin wireless channels A2 to and A4. Additionally, the wireless stationchecks the wireless energy of communications present in the wirelesschannel #B1 (and/or one or more of the other wireless channels B2, B3,B4, etc.). If the wireless station trying to communicate in an oppositedirection in the wireless channel #A3 detects wireless energy levelsabove a respective threshold level for any of the monitored wirelesschannels A2, A4, B1, the wireless station is not permitted to transmitover wireless channel #3 in the opposite direction. Conversely, if thewireless station trying to communicate in an opposite direction in thewireless channel #A3 detects wireless energy levels below a respectivethreshold level for all of the monitored wireless channels A2, A4, B1,the wireless station transmits wireless communications over wirelesschannel #3 in opposite direction aim as previously discussed.

Thus, FIG. 7 shows a device using Channel A3 in the opposite directionafter checking for channel occupancy in its immediately adjacentchannels and the first channel in adjacent band, i.e. B1.

As previously discussed, if any of the CCA (a.k.a., listen before talk)monitoring by the wireless station fails, the device can't transmit inChannel A3 in the opposite direction.

FIG. 8 is an example diagram illustrating multiple wireless stationssharing use of an assigned wireless channel and monitoring of one ormore adjacent wireless channels according to embodiments herein.

In this example embodiment, the wireless station 132 assigns use ofwireless channel #2 by both the wireless station CD21 and wirelessstation CD22. Assume in this example embodiment that both the wirelessstation CD21 and CD22 are potentially allowed to communicate in theuplink direction to the wireless station 132 during assigned time slots31-7 and 31-8. In such an instance, each of the wireless stations CD21and CD22 monitors the adjacent wireless channels #1 and #3 for presenceof energy in a manner as previously discussed. The wireless station 131or corresponding communication device transmits wireless communicationsover a wireless channel #1 in timeslot 31-7. In such an instance, bothof the wireless station CD21 and CD22 monitoring wireless channels #1and #3 detect that the energy in the adjacent wireless channel #1 isabove a respective threshold value. Based on detecting this condition,both the wireless station CD21 and the wireless station CD22 preventcommunications in the uplink direction to the wireless station 132 intimeslot 31-7.

Assume further in this example embodiment that both the wireless stationCD21 and CD22 would like to communicate in the uplink direction to thewireless station 132 during assigned time slot 31-8. In such aninstance, each of the wireless stations CD21 and CD22 monitors theadjacent wireless channels #1 and #3 for presence of energy in timeslot31-8 in a manner as previously discussed. In this example embodiment,there are no wireless communications transmitted in timeslot 31-8 overwireless channel #1 or wireless channel #3. In this instance, both ofthe wireless station CD21 and CD22 detect that the energy in theadjacent wireless channel #1 and wireless channel #3 is below arespective threshold value. Based on detecting this condition, both thewireless station CD21 and the wireless station CD22 may attempt tocommunicate in wireless channel #2 in the uplink direction. In oneembodiment, to prevent a collision, this includes both of the wirelessstation CD21 and wireless station CD 22 monitoring the wireless channel#2 for communications via a listen before talk protocol. If desired,each of the communication devices implements a different random back offtime so they do not both use the wireless channel #2 at the same time.For example, in this example embodiment, the wireless station CD21implements a shorter random back off time when monitoring presence ofwireless energy in timeslot 31-8 and wireless channel #2 so the wirelessstation CD21 transmits communications 820 in the uplink direction(opposite direction) to the wireless station 132. Wireless station CD22detects the use of wireless channel #2 by the energy associated with theuplink communication 820 and, therefore, does not transmit in the uplinkduring timeslot 31-8. This prevents a respective collision of both thewireless station CD21 and the wireless station CD22 communicating in theuplink direction and over wireless channel #2 in timeslot 31-8.

The embodiments as shown in FIGS. 9-13 are similar to those aspreviously discussed except that the device performs sensing in its ownchannel of operation rather than adjacent channels.

More specifically, FIG. 9 is an example diagram illustrating monitoringof a respective assigned wireless channel to determine interference andcorresponding use of adjacent wireless channels according to embodimentsherein.

Note that Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) by Energy detection (ED) may beused to detect channel occupancy in own channel (co-channel sensing). Aspreviously discussed, random backoff times may be used to avoidcollision among users (wireless stations) employing channel sensing in agiven slot.

In further example embodiments, it may be sufficient to implement CCA(Clear Channel Assessment) or listen before talk techniques in theassigned wireless channel in order to communicate in an oppositedirection than as allocated by a communication management resource.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9 , assume that the wireless station 132allocates communication device CD21 use of the wireless channel #2 andcorresponding timeslot 31-7 for its use. The timeslot 31-7 is a downlinktimeslot, meaning that the wireless station 132 is able to communicatein the downlink direction to the communication device CD21 withoutinterfering with other wireless stations. However, the wireless station132 desires to use the timeslot to communicate in an uplink directionfrom the communication device CD21 to the wireless station 132.

As previously discussed with respect to FIG. 1 , communicationswirelessly transmitted from the communication device CD21 in an uplinkto the wireless base station 132 may result in cross interference withrespect to other wireless stations using the same timeslot 31-7 in anassigned downlink direction.

Referring again to FIG. 9 , in order for the wireless station CD21 tocommunicate in the uplink direction instead of the downlink direction,the wireless station CD21 needs to make sure that it will not interferewith other wireless stations in the network environment 100. Forexample, to prevent occurrence of co-channel interference, the wirelessstation CD21 allocated use of the timeslot 31-7 monitors the timeslot31-7 for communications in adjacent wireless channel #2. As previouslydiscussed, wireless communications in the opposite direction of theallocated downlink (such as in the uplink from the wireless station CD21to the wireless station 132) for timeslot 31-7 may result in crosswireless interference to the other wireless stations assigned wirelesschannels #1 and 3 in timeslot 31-7.

Thus, the wireless station CD21 receives notice of a wireless channel #2and a time slot 31-7 allocated for use by the wireless station CD21.

At or around time T77, the wireless station CD21 monitors for presenceof wireless energy during the time slot 31-7 in wireless channel #2.Based on a detected level of the wireless energy during such time, thewireless station CD21 controls transmission of wireless communicationsfrom the wireless station CD21 to the wireless station 132.

More specifically, a timeslot 31-7 may be allocated by a communicationmanagement resource associated with the wireless station 132 for use bya wireless station CD21. However, the allocated timeslot 31-7 may be forconveyance of wireless communications in an opposite direction in whichthe wireless station CD21 would like to use the corresponding wirelesschannel #2. In other words, the wireless station CD21 wishes tocommunicate in an uplink direction instead output downlink direction.

In such an instance, embodiments herein include, via the wirelessstation CD21 or other suitable entity, monitoring for energy in avicinity of the wireless station CD21 or other suitable location duringthe timeslot 31-7 in wireless channel #2 and using such information as abasis in which to communicate from the wireless station CD21 to thewireless station 132. More specifically, in one embodiment, the wirelessstation CD21 monitors for presence of the wireless energy (such ascaused by other wireless stations wirelessly communicating via wirelesschannels 1 and 3) in the wireless channel #2. To prevent wirelessinterference, the wireless station CD21 monitors the wireless channel #2to determine if transmission of wireless communications in the timeslot31-7 from the first wireless station would potentially causeinterference with another wireless station.

More specifically, in this example embodiment, the wireless station CD21monitors wireless channel #2. The energy in wireless channel #2 may becaused by co-channel interference from one or more wireless stationscommunicating in wireless channels #1 and #3. Based on monitoring ofwireless channel #2, the wireless station CD21 detects that the amountof energy in the wireless channel #2 for the allocated timeslot 31-7(such as at a beginning portion of the timeslot 31-7 such as betweentime T 77 and time T 77-1) is below a threshold value, such asindicating that the wireless station CD21 will not interfere withcommunications in the wireless channels #1 and #3 because no otherwireless stations use the second wireless channel in the timeslot 31-7or co-channel interference is low during the timeslot 31-7, the wirelessstation CD21 uses the timeslot 31-7 of the wireless channel #2 totransmit wireless communications 310 from the wireless station CD21(such as user equipment or a mobile communication device) to thewireless station 132 (such as a wireless base station).

In one embodiment, the ED Threshold may be determined as: −85+10*log10(BW)+P dBm.

For high power/EIRP transmission, for example from a macro cell BS, itmay not be possible to do co-channel sensing as the ED threshold getsbelow noise level. In this case adjacent channel sensing may be used.For example, for a BS wanting to transmit with 63 dBm EIRP over 10 MHzchannel, ED threshold for co-channel sensing=−85+10+23−63=−115 dB (belownoise level ˜−99 dBm).

For low power/EIRP transmission, for example from a UE or small cell BS,co-channel sensing may be used.

For an EUD wanting to transmit with 23 dBm EIRP over 20 MHz channel, EDthreshold for co-channel sensing=−85+13+23−23=−72 dBm.

FIG. 10 is an example diagram illustrating monitoring of a respectiveassigned wireless channel to determine interference and correspondinguse of adjacent wireless channels according to embodiments herein.

Assume in this example embodiment that the wireless station 132allocates wireless station device CD21 use of the wireless channel #2and corresponding timeslot 31-7 and timeslot 31-8 for its use. In oneembodiment, the wireless station CD21 and/or wireless station 132register with the allocation management resource 141 to use one or morewireless channels.

As previously discussed, the timeslot 31-7 is, according to TDDconfiguration frame 322 a downlink timeslot, meaning that the wirelessstation 132 is able to communicate in the downlink direction to thecommunication device CD21 without interfering with other wirelessstations. However, the wireless station CD21 desires to use the timeslotto communicate in an uplink direction from the communication device CD21to the wireless station 132.

As previously discussed with respect to FIG. 1 , communicationswirelessly transmitted from the wireless station CD21 in an uplink tothe wireless base station 132 may result in cross interference withrespect to other wireless stations using the same timeslot 31-7 in anassigned downlink direction of, for example, wireless channels #1 and#3.

Referring again to FIG. 10 , in order for the wireless station CD21 tocommunicate in the uplink direction instead of the downlink directionassigned to the timeslot 31-7 of configuration frame 322, the wirelessstation CD21 needs to make sure that it will not interfere with otherwireless stations in the network environment 100.

Note that the wireless station CD21 can be configured to monitor anyportion of a respective allocated timeslot (such as beginning, middle,and, etc.). In one embodiment, the first wireless station monitors thefirst wireless channel during a beginning portion of the time slot forpresence of the wireless energy.

For example, to prevent recurrence of co-channel interference, thewireless station CD21 allocated use of the timeslot 31-7 monitors thetimeslot 31-7 for communications in wireless channel #2.

At or around time T87, prior to transmitting in the uplink from thewireless station CD21 to the wireless station 132, the wireless stationCD21 monitors for presence of wireless energy during the time slot 31-7via monitoring the wireless channel #2 for co-channel interferencecaused by wireless communications over wireless channels #1 and #3 fromother wireless stations. Based on a detected level of the wirelessenergy in timeslot 31-7 of wireless channel #2 during such time, thewireless station CD21 controls transmission of wireless communicationsfrom the wireless station CD21 to the wireless station 132.

In this example embodiment, the wireless station CD21 detects presenceof wireless energy in the wireless channel #2 above an energy detectthreshold level. In response to detecting this condition, the wirelessstation CD21 is prevented or blocked from transmitting wirelesscommunications in an uplink direction from the wireless station CD21 tothe wireless station 132. As previously discussed, the blocking preventscross channel interference with respect to the downlink communications1010 from the wireless station 131 to a respective communication devicein network environment 100. Thus, the wireless station CD21 does nottransmit in the uplink in timeslot 31-7.

Further in this example embodiment, assume that the wireless stationCD21 is also signed use of timeslot 31-8. In a similar manner aspreviously discussed, the wireless station CD21 monitors presence ofwireless energy in wireless channel #2. In this instance, the wirelessstation CD21 does not detect presence of wireless communications abovean energy threshold value in the monitored wireless channel #2. In suchan instance, at or around time T88-1, the wireless station CD21transmits uplink communications 1020 from the wireless station CD21 tothe wireless station 132.

Thus, when there is no chance or low probability of causing co-channelinterference with another wireless station, the corresponding wirelesslink can be used in an uplink or downlink direction as opposed to berestricted to only a downlink direction.

FIG. 11 is an example diagram illustrating monitoring of a respectiveassigned wireless channel to determine interference and correspondinguse of adjacent wireless channels according to embodiments herein.

In this example embodiment, the wireless station 132 monitors presenceof wireless energy in wireless channel #2 for presence of wirelessinterference caused by one or more other wireless stations communicatingin the timeslots 31-7 and 31-8. In this example embodiment, the wirelessstation 132 provides feedback to the wireless station CD21 whether thewireless station 132 detects use of wireless channels #1 and #3.

More specifically, assume in this example embodiment that the wirelessstation 132 allocates wireless station CD21 use of the wireless channel#2 and corresponding timeslot 31-7 and timeslot 31-8 for its use. In oneembodiment, the wireless station CD21 and/or wireless station 132register with the allocation management resource 141 to use one or morewireless channels.

As previously discussed, the timeslot 31-7 is, according to TDDconfiguration frame 322 a downlink timeslot, meaning that the wirelessstation 132 is able to communicate in the downlink direction to thecommunication device CD21 without interfering with other wirelessstations. However, the wireless station CD21 desires to use the timeslotto communicate in an uplink direction (opposite with respect to thedownlink direction) from the wireless station CD21 to the wirelessstation 132.

As previously discussed with respect to FIG. 1 , communicationswirelessly transmitted from the wireless station CD21 in an uplink tothe wireless base station 132 may result in cross interference withrespect to other wireless stations using the same timeslot 31-7 in anassigned downlink direction of, for example, wireless channels #1 and#3.

Referring again to FIG. 11 , in order for the wireless station CD21 tocommunicate in the uplink direction instead of the downlink directionassigned to the timeslot 31-7 of configuration frame 322, the wirelessstation CD21 needs to make sure that it will not interfere with otherwireless stations and wireless channels in the network environment 100.

Note that the wireless station CD21 can be configured to monitor anyportion of a respective allocated timeslot (such as beginning, middle,and, etc.). In one embodiment, the first wireless station monitors thefirst wireless channel during a beginning portion of the time slot forpresence of the wireless energy.

For example, to prevent occurrence of co-channel interference, thewireless station CD21 allocated use of the timeslot 31-7 monitors thetimeslot 31-7 for communications in wireless channel #2.

At or around time T97 to time T97-1, prior to transmitting in the uplinkfrom the wireless station CD21 to the wireless station 132, the wirelessstation CD21 monitors for presence of wireless energy during the timeslot 31-7 via monitoring the wireless channel #2 for co-channelinterference caused by wireless communications over wireless channels #1and #3. Based on a detected level of the wireless energy in timeslot31-7 of wireless channel #2 above a threshold level during such time,the wireless station CD21 prevents transmission of wirelesscommunications from the wireless station CD21 to the wireless station132.

Thus, in this example embodiment, the wireless station CD21 detectspresence of wireless energy in the wireless channel #2 above an energydetect threshold level while monitoring the timeslot 31-7. In responseto detecting this condition, the wireless station CD21 is prevented orblocked from transmitting wireless communications in an uplink directionfrom the wireless station CD21 to the wireless station 132. Aspreviously discussed, this prevents cross channel interference withrespect to the downlink communications 1110 from the wireless station131 to a respective communication device in network environment 100.Thus, the wireless station CD21 does not transmit in the uplink intimeslot 31-7.

Further in this example embodiment, as previously discussed, assume thatthe wireless station CD21 is also signed use of timeslot 31-8. In asimilar manner as previously discussed, the wireless station CD21monitors presence of wireless energy in a wireless channel #2 for thetimeslot 31-8 between time T98 and T98-1. In this instance, the wirelessstation CD21 does not detect presence of wireless communication energyin wireless channel #2 above and energy threshold value. As furthershown, the wireless station 132 also monitors the wireless channel #2for presence of cross-channel interference caused by other wirelessstations communicating over wireless channels #1 and/or wireless channel#3 during timeslot 31-8. In this example embodiment, assume that thewireless station 132 also does not detect presence of energy in thewireless channel #2 above a respective threshold value for timeslot 31-8(monitoring between time T98 and time T98-1). As a response thiscondition, the wireless station 132 transmits a respective communication1120 (feedback) to the wireless station CD21. The communication 1120(feedback) indicates that the wireless station did not detect presenceof wireless energy between time T98 and time T98-1. As previouslydiscussed, the wireless station CD 21 also monitors the wireless channel#2 for adjacent channel interference and also does not detect presenceof wireless energy of above a respective threshold level at thebeginning of timeslot 31-8.

In one embodiment, the wireless station 132 monitors presence ofwireless energy between time T98 and time T98-1 in wireless channel #2.In response to detecting that the measured energy is below a thresholdvalue, the wireless station 132 communicates a respective notificationto the communication device CD 21 indicating that the presence ofwireless energy was detected in the corresponding wireless channel #2 asbeing below a respective threshold value. In response to receiving thenotification, the communication device CD 21 then monitors the timeslot31-8 of wireless channel #2 for presence of wireless energy to ensurethat the respective wireless channel #2 is clear. In response to thecommunication device CD 21 also detecting that the energy level in thewireless channel #2 is below a respective threshold value, thecommunication device CD 21 transmits communications 1130 over wirelesschannel #2 to the wireless base station 132.

In further example embodiments, in response to detecting that thewireless energy in the timeslot 31-8 is below and energy threshold leveland receiving the communication 1120 indicating that the wirelessstation 132 also detects that the wireless energy and wireless channelover wireless channel #2 is below a respective energy threshold from theperspective of the wireless station 132, the wireless station CD21 isthen able to communicate in the timeslot 31-8 in an uplink directionbetween time T98-2 and T99 (that is, a remaining portion of therespective timeslot 31-8).

Thus, when there is no chance or a low probability of the wirelessstation CD21 causing wireless interference with another wirelessstation, the corresponding wireless link can be used in an oppositeassigned direction as opposed to be restricted to only a singledirection as specified by the time-division duplex configuration.

Additionally, or alternatively, in accordance with further exampleembodiments, note that the wireless station 132 can be configured tomonitor wireless channel #1 and wireless channel #3 at a beginning of arespective timeslot in order to determine if another wireless stationuses the adjacent wireless channels. In this latter instance, if thelevel of energy detected in the wireless channel #1 and the wirelesschannel #3 fall below a respective threshold level, the wireless station132 transmits communication 1120 to the wireless station CD21 indicatingthat wireless channels #1 and #3 are free from use.

The extra level of monitoring of the wireless channel #2 and/or wirelesschannels #1 and #3 by the wireless station 132 ensures thatcommunications in the uplink direction from the wireless station CD21 tothe wireless station 132 in timeslot 31-8 do not cause interference toother wireless stations.

FIG. 12 is an example frequency diagram illustrating monitoring of anallocated wireless channel according to embodiments herein.

Graph 1200 of FIG. 12 illustrates that a device using wireless channel#2 may not transmit in the opposite direction in a respective timeslotbecause, when monitoring wireless channel #2 for cross interferencewireless energy from wireless channels #1 and 3, wireless channel #3 isbeing used by another wireless station. In any suitable manner aspreviously discussed, the wireless station CD21 and/or wireless station132 detects this condition via monitoring of wireless channel #2 becausethe transmission of wireless communications in wireless channel #3causes detection of energy in wireless channel #2. Wireless channel #1is not used.

Conversely, a wireless station assigned wireless channel 11 monitorswireless channel 11 to determine if adjacent wireless channels 10 and 12are being used. The timeslot is designated as a downlink timeslot. Inresponse to detecting a condition in which detected wireless energy inthe wireless channel 11 is below a threshold level for a first portionof an assigned timeslot such as detected by the end user wirelessstation and/or corresponding wireless base station, the wireless enduser wireless station communicates in the uplink direction to arespective wireless base station. Thus, a wireless station using channel11 may transmit in the opposite direction as both Channels 10 and 12 areunoccupied for a given slot.

FIG. 13 is an example diagram illustrating multiple wireless stationssharing use of an assigned wireless channel and monitoring of one ormore adjacent wireless channels according to embodiments herein.

In this example embodiment, the wireless station 132 assigns use ofwireless channel #2 to both the wireless station CD21 and wirelessstation CD22. Assume in this example embodiment that both the wirelessstation CD21 and CD22 are scheduled or at least able to communicate inthe uplink direction to the wireless station 132 during assigned timeslots 31-7 and 31-8 if the adjacent channels are clear from use. In thisexample embodiment, instead of monitoring adjacent wireless channels #1and #3, each of the wireless stations CD21 and CD22 monitors thewireless channel #2 for presence of co channel interference energycaused by a respective wireless station communicating in the wirelesschannels #1 and #3 in timeslot 31-7. In this embodiment, the wirelessstation 131 or corresponding communication device transmits wirelesscommunications over a wireless channel #1 in timeslot 31-7. In such aninstance, both of the wireless station CD21 and CD22 monitoring wirelesschannel #2 detect that the energy in the wireless channel #2 caused bythe communications 1310 is above a respective threshold value. Based ondetecting this condition, both the wireless station CD21 and thewireless station CD22 know that another wireless station communicates inthe timeslot 31-7 in the other wireless channels 1 and 3 and, therefore,prevent communications in the uplink direction to the wireless station132 in timeslot 31-7.

Assume further in this example embodiment that both the wireless stationCD21 and CD22 would like to communicate in the uplink direction to thewireless station 132 during assigned time slot 31-8. In such aninstance, each of the wireless stations CD21 and CD22 monitors thewireless channel #2 for presence of energy in a manner as previouslydiscussed. In this example embodiment, there are no wirelesscommunications transmitted in timeslot 31-8 over wireless channel #1 orwireless channel #3. In this instance, both of the wireless station CD21and CD22 detect that the energy in the wireless channel #2 is below arespective threshold value. Based on detecting this condition, both thewireless station CD21 and the wireless station CD22 attempt to or wouldlike to communicate in wireless channel #2 in the uplink direction(opposite the downlink configuration for the timeslot). In oneembodiment, this includes both of the wireless station CD21 and wirelessstation CD 22 monitoring the wireless channel #2 for communications viaa listen before talk protocol. If desired, each of the communicationdevices implements a different random back off time so they do not bothuse the wireless channel #2 at the same time.

For example, in this example embodiment, the wireless station CD21implements a shorter random back off time when monitoring presence ofwireless energy in timeslot 31-8 and wireless channel #2 so the wirelessstation CD21 transmits communications 1320 in the uplink direction(opposite direction) to the wireless station 132. Wireless station CD22detects the use of wireless channel #2 by the energy associated with theuplink communication 1220 and, therefore, does not transmit in theuplink during timeslot 31-8. This prevents a respective collision ofboth the wireless station CD21 and the wireless station CD22communicating in the uplink direction and over wireless channel #2 intimeslot 31-8.

Additional Embodiments

Referring again to FIG. 1 , note that the Hybrid TDD access (such asimplementing configuration frame 321 and configuration frame 322) asshown may include implementing some signaling for the gNB and UE to stayaligned on time/frequency domain configurations and grants.

For example, in one embodiment, in a manner as previously discussed, thewireless station 132 (such as gNB) can be configured to override thenominal TDD configuration (such as configuration frame 321 and implementconfiguration frame 322). In such an instance, a nominal ‘D’ slot needsto be changed to a ‘U with adjacent channel sensing’ slot in order for aUE to perform UL CCA on the adjacent channel. If this change is notmade, the UE is expected to monitor DL transmissions in that slot whichwould preclude UL transmission.

Note further that in existing PDCCH-based slot format indicator (SFI)signaling (DCI Format 2_0) in NR can be used for overriding the nominalTDD config. However, according to conventional techniques, only ‘F’slots (flexible slots) can be overridden, not ‘D’ or ‘U’. Changing ‘D’to TT′ or ‘U’ to ‘D’ via SFI requires a new procedure that can alsoindicate to the UE that channel sensing is to be performed. Theparameters for channel sensing (ED threshold, CCA duration, etc.) can beconfigured separately via RRC signaling or other suitable signaling.

In further example embodiments, the wireless base station such as a gNBschedules UEs by means of scheduled grants or configured grants. Ascheduled grant may or may not be used by a UE (a.k.a., wirelessstation) depending on CCA (listen before talk) success in a slotrequiring channel sensing. In an example, the gNB may configureconfigured grant (CG) resources for the slots that intends to possiblyoverride the nominal TDD configuration (where it is expected to happenperiodically). The additional behavior of the UE for using the CGresources is to first check for CCA (listen before talk) success in theslot or right before the CG resource. Additional behavior of the UE maybe checking for signaling from the gNB, e.g., in the prior ‘D’ slot(s),and depending on the provided signaling or lack thereof, the UE decideswhether to attempt to for transmission in the upcoming CG resources.Above two behaviors may be executed in serially and the success of bothallows the UE to attempt transmission in the said slot. Or the UE may beallowed to attempt transmission with execution of one of the abovebehaviors.

In still further example embodiments, such as previously discussed, thewireless station 132 (such as gNB) can be configured to reconfigure theactive bandwidth part (BWP) of the wireless station CD21 to allowadjacent channel sensing, then reverts back to the original BWP afterCCA by the wireless station CD21 has completed. For example, a UEoperating on a 20 MHz carrier as its serving cell may need to performreception on 60 MHz in order to sense two 20 MHz adjacent channels oneither side, implying that the UE active BWP is effectively 60 MHz,while only one active BWP per UE is allowed in NR at a given time.

A PDCCH-based active BWP switch mechanism is already specified in NR aspart of PDSCH or PUSCH scheduling DCI (e.g., DCI Format 1_1 or 0_1), butBWP indicator is not currently supported in the SFI indication of DCIFormat 2_0. One solution is to indicate active BWP adaptation implicitlybased on the explicit SFI indicator. In one embodiment, the duration ofthe new BWP config is the same as the CCA duration before switching backto the previous BWP size. Alternately, an explicit BWP indicator fieldmay be added to DCI Format 2_0 conveying SFI.

FIG. 14 is an example diagram illustrating generation of dynamic channelallocation information indicating allocation of spectrum at differenttiers of a channel hierarchy according to embodiments herein.

As previously discussed, bandwidth manager 130 can be configured toassign any suitable type of wireless spectrum (spectrum, wirelesschannels, etc.) for use by the wireless stations such as wireless basestations, communication devices, etc., in the network environment 100.

In one non-limiting example embodiment, the bandwidth manager 130 andallocation management resource 141 allocate spectrum (wireless channels)from a so-called CBRS (Citizens Band Radio System) band operatingbetween 3.550 and 3.700 GHz (GigaHertz) (such as 150 MegaHertz or 15wireless channels that are each 10 MHz wide).

Also, as previously discussed, the allocation management resource 141(such as spectrum access systems, allocation management resource, orother suitable entity) keeps track, at any given time, which wirelesschannels or portions of the multi-tier wireless spectrum or multi-tierradio band (such as CBRS band) are available in the geographical regionin which the network environment 100 resides. If government use (such asuse via a so-called incumbent user) is detected or requested viaappropriate input (such as around time T5) to the allocation managementresource 140, certain channels (such as those used by the generalpublic) are no longer available for use.

More specifically, in this example, graph 1400 indicates that betweentime T1 and time T5 (such as mode #1 or first condition), there is noindication detection of an incumbent user and thus licensed wirelesschannels 1-10 are available for use by licensed wireless user (andpotentially unlicensed GAA users) for use; channels 11-15 are availablefor use by unlicensed GAA users. In a manner as previously discussed,these channels are allocated for use by the wireless base stations innetwork environment 100.

As further shown, at or around time T5, assume that the spectrum monitor140 detects use of the wireless channels #3 and #4 by an incumbent userhaving higher priority than the PAL users and GAA users. In such aninstance, the bandwidth monitor 140 notifies the spectrum allocationmanagement resource 141 of such use prompting discontinued use ofwireless channels #3 and #4. At or around time T9, the incumbent entityno longer uses wireless channels #3 and #4. In such an instance, thewireless channel #3 and #4 are again allocated for use by wirelessstations in the network environment.

Thus, at any time, any of the wireless channels can be revoked for useby respective one or more wireless stations.

FIG. 15 is an example block diagram of a computer system forimplementing any of the operations as previously discussed according toembodiments herein.

Any of the resources (such as communication management resource,allocation management resource 141, allocation management resource 142,bandwidth monitor 130, bandwidth manager 140, wireless station 131,wireless station 132, wireless station 133, wireless station CD21,wireless station CD22, etc.) as discussed herein can be configured toinclude computer processor hardware and/or corresponding executableinstructions to carry out the different operations as discussed herein.

As shown, computer system 1550 of the present example includes aninterconnect 1511 that couples computer readable storage media 1512 suchas a non-transitory type of media (which can be any suitable type ofhardware storage medium in which digital information can be stored andretrieved), a processor 1513 (computer processor hardware), I/Ointerface 1514, and a communications interface 1517.

I/O interface(s) 1514 supports connectivity to repository 1580 and inputresource 1592.

Computer readable storage medium 1512 can be any hardware storage devicesuch as memory, optical storage, hard drive, floppy disk, etc. In oneembodiment, the computer readable storage medium 1512 storesinstructions and/or data.

As shown, computer readable storage media 1512 can be encoded withcommunication management application 140-1 (e.g., includinginstructions) to carry out any of the operations as discussed herein.

During operation of one embodiment, processor 1513 accesses computerreadable storage media 1512 via the use of interconnect 1511 in order tolaunch, run, execute, interpret or otherwise perform the instructions inmanagement application 140-1 stored on computer readable storage medium1512. Execution of the communication management application 140-1 (suchas implemented by allocation management resource 141, each of thewireless stations, etc.) produces communication management process 140-2to carry out any of the operations and/or processes as discussed herein.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the computer system 1550can include other processes and/or software and hardware components,such as an operating system that controls allocation and use of hardwareresources to execute communication management application 140-1.

In accordance with different embodiments, note that computer system mayreside in any of various types of devices, including, but not limitedto, a mobile computer, a personal computer system, a wireless device, awireless access point, a base station, phone device, desktop computer,laptop, notebook, netbook computer, mainframe computer system, handheldcomputer, workstation, network computer, application server, storagedevice, a consumer electronics device such as a camera, camcorder, settop box, mobile device, video game console, handheld video game device,a peripheral device such as a switch, modem, router, set-top box,content management device, handheld remote control device, any type ofcomputing or electronic device, etc. The computer system 1450 may resideat any location or can be included in any suitable resource in anynetwork environment to implement functionality as discussed herein.

Functionality supported by the different resources will now be discussedvia flowcharts in FIG. 16 . Note that the steps in the flowcharts belowcan be executed in any suitable order.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart 1600 illustrating an example method according toembodiments. Note that there will be some overlap with respect toconcepts as discussed above.

In this example embodiment, a first wireless station (wireless basestation, user equipment, mobile communication device, etc.) is allocateda first wireless channel and a time slot for communicating in a firstdirection (such as uplink or downlink depending upon the case) inaccordance with an assigned time-division duplex configuration.

In processing operation 1610, the first wireless station or othersuitable entity monitors for presence of wireless energy during theallocated time slot.

In processing operation 1620, based on a detected level of the wirelessenergy, the first wireless station controls transmission of wirelesscommunications in a second direction (such as downlink or uplinkdepending upon the case) during the timeslot, the second direction beingopposite the first direction.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart 1700 illustrating an example method according toembodiments. Note that there will be some overlap with respect toconcepts as discussed above.

In processing operation 1710, the wireless station CD21 (such as amobile communication device, user equipment, etc.) receives notice of awireless channel #2 and a time slot allocated for use by the wirelessstation CD21 in the network environment 100. The allocated timeslotsupports downlink of data to the wireless station CD21 in accordancewith a time-division duplex configuration.

In processing operation 1720, the wireless station CD21 monitors forpresence of wireless energy (such as in one or more adjacent wirelesschannels #1, #3, etc., or wireless channel #2 or both) during theassigned time slot.

In processing operation 1730, the wireless station CD21 controlstransmission of wireless communications from the wireless station CD21over the wireless channel #2 based on a detected level of the wirelessenergy in the one or more wireless channels.

Note again that techniques herein are well suited to support moreefficient use of wireless channels in a wireless network environment.However, it should be noted that embodiments herein are not limited touse in such applications and that the techniques discussed herein arewell suited for other applications as well.

Based on the description set forth herein, numerous specific detailshave been set forth to provide a thorough understanding of claimedsubject matter. However, it will be understood by those skilled in theart that claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specificdetails. In other instances, methods, apparatuses, systems, etc., thatwould be known by one of ordinary skill have not been described indetail so as not to obscure claimed subject matter. Some portions of thedetailed description have been presented in terms of algorithms orsymbolic representations of operations on data bits or binary digitalsignals stored within a computing system memory, such as a computermemory. These algorithmic descriptions or representations are examplesof techniques used by those of ordinary skill in the data processingarts to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art.An algorithm as described herein, and generally, is considered to be aself-consistent sequence of operations or similar processing leading toa desired result. In this context, operations or processing involvephysical manipulation of physical quantities. Typically, although notnecessarily, such quantities may take the form of electrical or magneticsignals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared orotherwise manipulated. It has been convenient at times, principally forreasons of common usage, to refer to such signals as bits, data, values,elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, numerals or the like. Itshould be understood, however, that all of these and similar terms areto be associated with appropriate physical quantities and are merelyconvenient labels. Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparentfrom the following discussion, it is appreciated that throughout thisspecification discussions utilizing terms such as “processing,”“computing,” “calculating,” “determining” or the like refer to actionsor processes of a computing platform, such as a computer or a similarelectronic computing device, that manipulates or transforms datarepresented as physical electronic or magnetic quantities withinmemories, registers, or other information storage devices, transmissiondevices, or display devices of the computing platform.

While this invention has been particularly shown and described withreferences to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may bemade therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentapplication as defined by the appended claims. Such variations areintended to be covered by the scope of this present application. Assuch, the foregoing description of embodiments of the presentapplication is not intended to be limiting. Rather, any limitations tothe invention are presented in the following claims.

We claim:
 1. A method comprising: at a first wireless station allocateda first wireless channel and a time slot for communicating in a firstdirection in accordance with a time-division duplex configuration: i)monitoring for presence of wireless energy during the time slot; and ii)based on a detected level of the wireless energy, controllingtransmission of wireless communications in a second direction during thetimeslot, the second direction being opposite the first direction. 2.The method as in claim 1, wherein controlling transmission of thewireless communications includes: during the timeslot, wirelesslytransmitting data in the second direction from the first wirelessstation to a second wireless station instead of receiving the data atthe first wireless station.
 3. The method as in claim 1, whereinmonitoring for presence of the wireless energy during the timeslotincludes: monitoring for presence of the wireless energy in a secondwireless channel, the second wireless channel being adjacent to thefirst wireless channel allocated to the first wireless station.
 4. Themethod as in claim 3, wherein the first wireless channel is one ofmultiple wireless channels allocated from first bandwidth to operate afirst communication system; and wherein the second wireless channel isone of multiple wireless channels allocated from second bandwidth tooperate a second communication system.
 5. The method as in claim 1,wherein monitoring for presence of the wireless energy at the firstwireless station includes: at the first wireless station, monitoring thefirst wireless channel during a beginning portion of the time slot forpresence of the wireless energy.
 6. The method as in claim 1 furthercomprising: controlling transmission of the wireless communications fromthe first wireless station based on a comparison of the detected levelof the wireless energy to a threshold level.
 7. The method as in claim6, wherein the wireless energy is detected as being present in the firstwireless channel by the first wireless station in the allocatedtimeslot, presence of the wireless energy caused by wirelessinterference of a second wireless station communicating in a secondwireless channel adjacent to the first wireless channel.
 8. The methodas in claim 1, wherein controlling transmission of wirelesscommunications includes: at the first wireless station: preventingwireless transmission of a first communication from the first wirelessstation in the time slot of the first wireless channel in response todetecting use of a second wireless channel during the time slot, thesecond wireless channel adjacent to the first wireless channel.
 9. Themethod as in claim 1, wherein controlling transmission of wirelesscommunications includes: at the first wireless station: preventingwireless transmission of a first communication from the first wirelessstation in the time slot in response to detecting presence of thewireless energy above a threshold level.
 10. The method as in claim 1further comprising: transmitting the wireless communications from thefirst wireless station to a second wireless station in response todetecting that the wireless energy is below a threshold level.
 11. Themethod as in claim 1 further comprising: at the first wireless station,receiving control information from a second wireless station, the secondwireless station dynamically notifying the first wireless station tomonitor for presence of the wireless energy during the allocated timeslot.
 12. The method as in claim 1, wherein the time slot of the firstwireless channel is allocated for use by multiple wireless stationsincluding the first wireless station to communicate in the firstdirection to a second wireless station.
 13. The method as in claim 1further comprising: at the first wireless station, receivingnotification to monitor a second wireless channel for the presence ofthe wireless energy, the second wireless channel allocated for use by asecond wireless station in the network environment during the time slot.14. The method as in claim 1, wherein a second wireless station alsomonitors for presence of the wireless energy in the allocated time slot,the method further comprising: at the first wireless station: inresponse to receiving notification from the second wireless stationindicating that the second wireless station detected the presence ofwireless energy above a threshold level, preventing the transmission ofthe wireless communications in the second direction.
 15. The method asin claim 1, wherein a second wireless station also monitors for presenceof the wireless energy in the allocated time slot, the method furthercomprising: at the first wireless station: in response to: i) receivingnotification from the second wireless station indicating that the secondwireless station detected the presence of wireless energy as being belowa threshold level, and ii) detecting that a magnitude of the wirelessenergy as detected by the first wireless station is less than athreshold value, initiating the transmission of the wirelesscommunications in the second direction.
 16. A system comprising:communication management hardware operative to: monitor for presence ofwireless energy in a time slot allocated to a first wireless station forcommunicating in a first direction over a first wireless channel inaccordance with a time-division duplex configuration; and based on adetected level of the wireless energy, control transmission of wirelesscommunications in a second direction during the timeslot, the seconddirection being opposite the first direction.
 17. The system as in claim16, wherein the communication management hardware is further operativeto: wirelessly transmit communications from the first wireless stationto a second wireless station instead of receiving the data in the timeslot at the first wireless station.
 18. The system as in claim 16,wherein the communication management hardware is further operative to:monitor for presence of the wireless energy in a second wirelesschannel, the second wireless channel being adjacent to the firstwireless channel allocated to the first wireless station.
 19. The systemas in claim 18, wherein the first wireless channel is one of multiplewireless channels allocated from first bandwidth to operate a firstwireless communication system; and wherein the second wireless channelis one of multiple wireless channels allocated from second bandwidth tooperate a second wireless communication system.
 20. The system as inclaim 16, wherein the communication management hardware is furtheroperative to: monitor the first wireless channel during a beginningportion of the time slot for presence of the wireless energy.
 21. Thesystem as in claim 16, wherein the communication management hardware isfurther operative to: control transmission of the wirelesscommunications from the first wireless station based on a comparison ofthe detected level of the wireless energy to a threshold level.
 22. Thesystem as in claim 21, wherein the wireless energy is detected in theallocated timeslot of the first wireless channel and is caused bywireless interference of a second wireless station communicating in asecond wireless channel adjacent to the first wireless channel.
 23. Thesystem as in claim 16, wherein the communication management hardware isfurther operative to: prevent wireless transmission of a firstcommunication from the first wireless station in the time slot inresponse to detecting use of a second wireless channel by a secondwireless station during the time slot, the second wireless channeladjacent to the first wireless channel.
 24. The system as in claim 16,wherein the communication management hardware is further operative to:prevent wireless transmission of a first communication from the firstwireless station in the time slot in response to detecting presence ofthe wireless energy above a threshold level.
 25. The system as in claim16, wherein the communication management hardware is further operativeto: transmit the wireless communications from the first wireless stationto the second wireless station in response to detecting that thewireless energy is below a threshold level.
 26. The system as in claim16, wherein the communication management hardware is further operativeto: receive control information from a second wireless station, thesecond wireless station dynamically notifying the first wireless stationto monitor for presence of the wireless energy during the allocated timeslot.
 27. The system as in claim 16, wherein the time slot of the firstwireless channel is allocated for use by multiple wireless stationsincluding the first wireless station to communicate in the firstdirection to a second wireless station.
 28. The system as in claim 16,wherein the communication management hardware is further operative to:at the first wireless station, receive notification to monitor a secondwireless channel for the presence of the wireless energy, the secondwireless channel allocated for use by a second wireless station in thenetwork environment during the time slot.
 29. The system as in claim 16,wherein a second wireless station also monitors for presence of thewireless energy in the allocated time slot, wherein the communicationmanagement hardware is further operative to: receive notification fromthe second wireless station indicating that the second wireless stationdetected the presence of wireless energy above a threshold level; andprevent the transmission of the wireless communications from the firstwireless station in response to receiving the notification.
 30. Thesystem as in claim 16, wherein a second wireless station also monitorsfor presence of the wireless energy in the allocated time slot, whereinthe communication management hardware is further operative to: receivenotification from the second wireless station indicating that the secondwireless station detected the presence of wireless energy as being belowa threshold level; and initiate the transmission of the wirelesscommunications from the first wireless station in response to: i)receiving the notification, and ii) detecting that a magnitude of thewireless energy as detected by the first wireless station is less than athreshold value.
 31. Computer-readable storage hardware havinginstructions stored thereon, the instructions, when carried out bycomputer processor hardware of a first wireless station, cause thecomputer processor hardware of the first wireless station to: monitorfor presence of wireless energy during a time slot allocated to thefirst wireless station for communicating in a first direction over afirst wireless channel in accordance with a time-division duplexconfiguration; and based on a detected level of the wireless energy,control transmission of wireless communications in a second directionduring the timeslot, the second direction being opposite the firstdirection.